Specialized to Unveil New Range of Bikes at Cycle 2008

Looks like this year’s Cycle 2008 is going to be a cracker. Just had news in that Specialized will be unveiling its 2009 range at the show, including cross-country bikes and pro peleton road bikes. On top of this, the latest Body Geometry (BG) equipment and clothing will also on show.

According to the company press release, the following are a few of the headliner bikes and equipment areas that Specialized have been working hard to develop and deliver:

Epic – The Brain of the Operation
Totally redesigned for 2009, the new Epic are the fastest Competitive XC mountain bikes ever created. Total suspension integration and a no-compromise approach to engineering and development have made these amazing bikes a reality. No other competitive XC bike has boasted a better combination of light-weight, incredible efficiency (thanks to FSR suspension, BRAIN technology front and rear as well as incredible BB stiffness) and unsurpassed control (derived from FSR, proven geometry and enhanced torsional rigidity).

Roubaix SL2 – Nothing is Smoother and Faster
Watching Tom Boonen win Paris-Roubaix in April on his prototype Roubaix SL2 was simply incredible. Together Specialized and pro athletes have been pushing to change cycling so that high ergonomics means high performance. The 2009 Roubaix SL2 is the outcome. With all of the vertical compliance of previous Roubaix, vibration damping of Zertz technology and lateral and torsional rigidity approaching the Tarmac SL2, this bike is performance and ergonomics incarnate.

GLOBE – Powered By Apples and Bananas
With environmental and wellness concerns and soaring fuel prices, there most certainly are clear problems. And, as we know, bikes are the solution! Following on their success with the Innovate-or- Die contest, Specialized have innovated with a totally redesigned GLOBE offering, focused at getting people out of cars and onto bikes. Its category-leading, light weight, ergonomic touch points, dialled in geometry and flat resistant tyres perfect are perfect for utilitarian riding. The Globe is an exclusive line available only to Specialized dealers.

Designs for Women
Specialized road families and mountain bikes have independent, experience specific families that allow for even further frame and specification tuning – just for women. As the Ruby and Dolce have been free to develop exclusively based on the needs and wants of women, the 2009 Designs for Women mountain bikes have been created from a clean sheet of paper so they fit, perform and ride as well as possible for women.

Body Geometry Shoes
Body Geometry technology has proven to increase efficiency and power output. Specialized continue to work with Dr. Andy Pruitt to advance the shoe range which not only offer all the benefits of Body Geometry, also have the world’s lightest shoe with a mechanical closure (the S-Works Road). The key models to watch out for are the new Pro Road and Mountain models.

Apparel
Specialized’s apparel business has been growing at a very brisk pace. Engineered down to the finest detail and purpose built to deliver an optimal riding experience.

BG F.I.T.
In conjunction with our close partner Dr. Andy Pruitt EdD, PA, we continue to refine and improve BG Fit Integration Technology (BG F.I.T.). This system integrates bike fit training, bike geometries and key components such as adjustable stems and handlebars and key equipment categories like shoes, saddles, apparel, gloves and bar coverings. The BG F.I.T. intensive dealer fit training program through SBCU has been a great success with over 20 technicians completing this course.

So, lookout for my posts on the 9th as I will be walking the show aisles at Earls Court in the hopes of bringing you info and pictures on the latest in cycling gear to make its way to the UK shores.